Over the past few weeks, many mobile buyers in Pakistan have been waiting for clarity on phone prices after reports of reduced taxes and valuation changes. Some people rushed to shops expecting instant price drops, while others held back due to confusion. The reality is now clearer: the major change is linked to revised customs valuation, not a blanket cut in PTA taxes, and its impact is gradual, not overnight.
This article explains what actually changed, which phones are affected, and presents a clear before-and-after price comparison based on official valuation data.
What Is the Latest Update
There has been no general reduction in PTA mobile phone taxes. However, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised customs valuation for imported mobile phones, especially used and older models of popular brands like iPhone, Samsung, OnePlus, and Google Pixel.
Since customs valuation is the base on which duties and PTA-related charges are calculated, lower valuation can reduce the total payable tax, which may slowly reflect in market prices.
Why Prices Are Changing Slowly
Phone prices in Pakistan depend on multiple factors:
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Customs valuation (USD-based)
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PTA taxes and duties
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Dollar exchange rate
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Importer margins
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Retail competition
The recent relief applies mainly to used and older models, and price adjustment happens only after new stock is cleared under revised valuation.
Who Is Affected by This Change
The update mainly affects:
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Buyers of used or non-box-packed phones
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Importers bringing phones commercially
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Customers purchasing older flagship models
Brand-new boxed phones and officially assembled units may not show immediate price changes.
Official Customs Valuation – Before and After (USD)
Below is a true and officially revised valuation comparison based on the latest FBR notification. These are assessment values, not retail prices.
Customs Valuation Comparison (USD)
| Phone Model | Before Reduction (USD) | After Reduction (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Pro | 280 | 155 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 340 | 215 |
| iPhone 13 (Base) | 360 | 210 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 450 | 275 |
| iPhone 15 | Not fixed earlier | 310 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Not fixed earlier | 390 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Not fixed earlier | 460 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | 255 | 255 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | 260 | 260 |
| OnePlus 12 | 184 | 184 |
This shows that major relief is on older iPhones, while Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus values remain largely unchanged.
Estimated Impact in PKR (Indicative Only)
Using an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD ≈ PKR 280, the valuation impact looks like this:
Indicative Valuation Impact (PKR)
| Phone Model | Before (PKR) | After (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Pro | 78,400 | 43,400 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 95,200 | 60,200 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 126,000 | 77,000 |
| Samsung S23 Ultra | 71,400 | 71,400 |
| OnePlus 12 | 51,500 | 51,500 |
Important:
These are valuation bases, not final market prices. Actual retail prices include PTA tax, sales tax, and seller margins.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, the key takeaway is managed expectations.
Realistic Outcomes
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Used iPhones may become cheaper over time
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No sudden crash in prices
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Brand-new phones may remain stable
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Market competition will decide final retail prices
Price changes will appear batch by batch, not instantly.
What Buyers Should Do Now
If you are planning to buy a phone:
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Ask whether the phone is imported under new valuation
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Compare prices across multiple shops
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Avoid paying premium based on “tax cut” claims
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Keep exchange rate volatility in mind
Patience often leads to better deals in such transitions.
Short Clarity Section – Common Confusion
Did PTA reduce mobile taxes?
No. There is no general PTA tax reduction.
Are phone prices officially reduced?
Valuation is reduced, not fixed retail prices.
Which phones benefit most?
Older and used iPhones.
Should buyers wait?
If buying an older iPhone, waiting may help.
Why This Update Still Matters
Even without a PTA tax cut, customs valuation correction is important. It brings assessment closer to global prices, reduces over-taxation, and improves transparency for importers and buyers.
Over time, this helps stabilize the used phone market.
Conclusion
The new price movement for iPhone, Samsung, OnePlus, and Pixel phones is driven by revised customs valuation, not a blanket PTA tax reduction. The biggest relief is for older iPhones, while other brands remain mostly unchanged.
Buyers should stay informed, avoid misinformation, and understand that true price relief appears gradually, not overnight. Making informed decisions now can save money and prevent disappointment later.
